Chemical Technicians

Analytical skills
Precision is crucial
Chemical technicians must be able to conduct scientific experiments with accuracy and precision.
Communication skills
Clear and effective
Chemical technicians must explain their work to scientists and engineers, and to workers who may not have a technical background. They often write reports to communicate their results.
Time-management skills
Organization is key
Chemical technicians often work on multiple tasks and projects at the same time and must be able to prioritize their assignments.

Job Description

Chemical technicians typically do the following:

  • Monitor chemical processes and test the quality of products
  • Set up and maintain laboratory equipment
  • Troubleshoot production problems
  • Prepare chemical solutions
  • Conduct chemical and physical experiments and tests
  • Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses
  • Prepare technical reports that summarize results

Most chemical technicians work on teams. Typically, they are led by chemists or chemical engineers who direct their work and evaluate their results. For example, some chemical technicians help chemists and other scientists develop new medicines. Others help chemical engineers develop more efficient production processes.

Chemical technicians’ duties and titles often depend on where they work. The following are the two main types of chemical technicians:

Laboratory technicians typically help scientists conduct experiments and analyses. Often, they prepare chemical solutions, test products for quality and performance, and analyze compounds produced through complex chemical processes. Chemical laboratory technicians may analyze samples of air and water to monitor pollution levels. Laboratory technicians usually set up and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.

Job Outlook

Median Pay – $44,660
2 Year Associate’s Degree
No Related Work Experience
Moderate-term on-the-job training
0
Make $48,329
0
Make $55,751
The industries that hired the most were:

Testing laboratories

21%

Scientific research and development

10%

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

9%

EDUCATION & TRAINING

TCAT

TN College of Applied Technology - Chattanooga

THE PROGRAM

  • Program Length – 1 year (diploma)
  • Job Placement – 90%
  • Average Earnings – $36,570 / yr
  • Cost – $4,705

The mission of the program is to provide technical instruction and skill development that will enable students to become gainfully employed in the welding field. Highly individualized instruction provides for both classroom instruction and practical work experience using hand tools, fabrication shop equipment and welding equipment. The major emphasis of the program is placed on safety, oxyacetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding and flux core arc welding of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Welding is a detail oriented technology. Close attention must be made in all areas of welding, cutting, metal preparation, and fabrication.

Class room and shop experiences focus on construction trades, manufacturing, and industrial welding. Students learn about safety, metallurgy, mathematics and print reading.

THE PROGRAM

  • Program Length – 2 Years (Degree)
  • Time Commitment – Full Time
  • Average Pay – $44,660 / yr

Advance, Cleveland State’s block scheduling format, offers working adults a convenient way to obtain a college certificate or degree taking classes with the same core group of students.  Cleveland State is now offering a block schedule for Technical Certificates in Electrical Maintenance, Mechanical Maintenance and Process Control.  If your time is limited but you are committed to attending college to increase your technical skills, the Advance Technical Certificate Program is for you!

Advantages:

  • Students will be in class with “like-minded” people, who are focused, self-disciplined, and want to earn their certificate.
  • Networking Opportunities—students form strong connections with other working students/professionals.
  • Students know upfront their scheduling for the entire program.

Benefits:

  • Working toward a certificate or degree as a group has been proven to dramatically  improve retention and graduation rates.
  • Faculty are committed to helping students achieve their individual goals.
  • Earning your technical certificate opens doors for promotion within your organization or a new career.
  • The courses in this certificate program will apply to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technology.

Cleveland State

Cleveland State Community College